Why using a CMMS?

Developments in the global CMMS market

CMMS is a fast-growing field offering numerous benefits for industrial and utility companies. According to a recent study by MarketsandMarkets, the global CMMS market would have reached $7.24 billion by 2022, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% over the 2017-2022 period.

One of the main reasons for this growth is the need for companies to respond to the complexity of equipment and installations. This calls for better planning and organization of maintenance operations.

What are the advantages and benefits of a CMMS?

There are many advantages to using a CMMS for companies in all sectors.

First and foremost, a CMMS enables maintenance operations to be planned and tracked efficiently. Companies can draw up preventive maintenance schedules and plan necessary repairs. Maintenance work minimizes downtime and reduces the cost of unscheduled repairs.

Much more a CMMS can be used to track maintenance costs and manage spare parts inventories. Companies are able to use this tool to track maintenance expenses and order the necessary spare parts in a timely manner. These operations have the potential to reduce maintenance costs over the long term.

Increase equipment lifetime by up to 10%

CMMS can increase the lifespan of production machines and equipment by 5 to 10%. It enables maintenance to be planned and preventive maintenance to be carried out to avoid breakdowns.
By using a CMMS
planning and monitoring functions, maintenance operations can be scheduled on time. Necessary repairs and replacements can be carried out before a problem occurs, thus extending equipment life and maximizing efficiency.

Reduce maintenance costs

A CMMS can significantly reduce maintenance costs by providing an overview of labor, storage, purchasing and other maintenance-related expenses. Using this knowledge, CMMS can make technical decisions that will reduce costs. For example, by switching from curative to preventive maintenance, a CMMS can anticipate storage requirements and consolidate purchasing.

Improving productivity gains

Machine productivity is directly linked to machine availability. CMMS solutions offer ways of controlling key indicators such as MTBF and MTTR. Maintenance management also aims to minimize machine downtime. By switching from corrective maintenance to scheduled maintenance, for example, it is possible to better manage unplanned production downtime, which can reduce productivity.

Can CMMS be adapted to all sectors of activity?

A CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) is a software designed to help companies plan, organize and track the maintenance of their equipment. It can be adapted to different types of equipment and business sectors, such as production plants, distribution centers, hospitals and airports.

• In the industrial maintenance sector, a CMMS can be used to plan maintenance operations on production equipment, monitor costs and maximize equipment availability. By controlling the entire lifecycle of fixed and linear equipment, a CMMS must guarantee the best possible operating conditions for industrial equipment and associated infrastructures.
• For the transport sector, a CMMS must manage the operating conditions of rolling stock as well as fixed and linear installations. CMMS must ensure user satisfaction and real-time activity monitoring, while complying with legal obligations and optimizing costs.
• In the healthcare sector, a CMMS must manage technical, biomedical and IT equipment to meet the new constraints of a sector in crisis. In the hospital sector, CMMS helps to ensure the satisfaction of care units by managing all maintenance processes. It must ensure the safety of people (carers, hospitalized patients, etc.) and, in particular, facilitate budget control.
• In the real estate sector, a CMMS must be a solution dedicated to Facility Management. The mission of CMMS is to support all players in the sector in guaranteeing the performance of installations, maintaining real-time knowledge of assets and the availability of equipment or infrastructures. In the real estate sector, a CMMS solution simplifies rental management, integrates regulatory reporting and controls purchasing and inventories.

Can a CMMS anticipate breakdowns before they happen?

Yes, a CMMS can foresee and anticipate the consequences of a breakdown: this is predictive maintenance.
A CMMS can predict certain breakdowns before they occur by using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to collect and enhance equipment data.

How does a CMMS work for predictive maintenance?

Sensors connected to CMMS tools collect data on values such as vibration, temperature, pressure, energy consumption and more. This data is then analyzed using advanced CMMS data processing algorithms to detect early signs of equipment deterioration or failure. Results of the analysis are used to draw up a preventive maintenance plan to remedy identified problems before they cause costly breakdowns.

Upgrading a CMMS: adopting a predictive maintenance approach rather than a corrective one.

Predictive maintenance, using CMMS tools, maximizes equipment availability by reducing unplanned downtime.
It is often used in heavy industry, but can also be applied in other types of businesses and industries. This approach maximizes equipment availability and enhances safety by ensuring that equipment operates reliably.

Is it possible to use a CMMS on a cell phone?

Yes, it is possible to use a CMMS on a mobile  phone by using dedicated applications. These applications can be designed to run on different mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android. Mobile CMMS
applications can offer features for mobile technicians such as data entry, access to Maintenance work schedules or work order management. In short, they provide an effective response to the new digitalization needs of maintenance (infrastructures, buildings, equipment).

However, it’s important to check that the application you choose is compatible with the CMMS you’re using, and that it meets your specific maintenance needs.

What are the main features of a CMMS?

CMMS is a key tool for improving the efficiency and performance of a company’s maintenance operations. CMMS software must meet the following requirements in particular:

1. Equipment tracking: a CMMS enables you to track information on your equipment, such as purchase dates, serial numbers, models, warranties, maintenance costs, operating hours, etc.
2. Maintenance planning: a CMMS needs to plan maintenance tasks for each piece of equipment, to ensure that maintenance is carried out regularly and efficiently.
3. Tracking work orders: a CMMS solution enables you to track work orders, i.e. maintenance requests, maintenance work carried out and reports.
4. Inventory management: a CMMS manages stocks to ensure that spare parts are always available when needed.
5. Tracking costs: a CMMS application tracks maintenance-related costs, such as labor, spare parts, equipment, etc.
6. Reports and statistics: CMMS enables you to generate reports and statistics on equipment, work orders, costs, etc., so you can make informed decisions and improve company performance.
7. Remote access: Some CMMS offer a mobile solution so that technicians can access maintenance data directly while on the move or at Maintenance work.
8. Integration with other systems: Some CMMS can be integrated with other systems, such as production management or purchasing management systems, for better coordination and data utilization.

Can CMMS help you manage equipment maintenance more effectively?

In conclusion, it is important for companies in all sectors to use a CMMS to effectively manage the maintenance of their critical equipment. The use of a CMMS enables maintenance operations to be planned, maintenance costs to be tracked and equipment availability to be maximized. A CMMS is particularly useful in the industrial, energy, transport, healthcare and real estate sectors.
It should be pointed out that installing a CMMS can reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve overall equipment performance, benefiting all aspects of the business.

Also read: How to choose a CMMS and manage your project?

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